Bass Staff Singer - Grace Episcopal Church - Alexandria

Grace Episcopal Church is a vibrant parish in Alexandria, Virginia, that fulfills its mission through regular participation in the Eucharist and the practice of its members’ baptismal promises. Traditional Eucharistic liturgy and fine music are hallmarks of worship at this parish. We are affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music and have an active choir school model for youth.

The Music Department of Grace Episcopal Church is auditioning candidates for the position of Bass staff singer. The position would supplement a volunteer choir during the 11:15 a.m. Sunday service. There are also several Choral Evensongs throughout the church year, as well as evening Eucharists on certain feast days, holy days, Christmas Eve, Holy Week, and Easter Day. Choral repertoire ranges from Renaissance polyphony (sung in Latin) to works by living composers. An emphasis is placed on the choral music of the English cathedral tradition.

Successful candidates for the position of staff singer:

are good sight readers

are able to provide vocal leadership

have good intonation, tone, and diction

are cooperative and willing to take direction

are available, reliable, and punctual

are outgoing, friendly, and have strong leadership skills

are able to work with volunteer singers and foster community

Staff singers are paid “per call” at a rate of $100. Weekly rehearsal is on Thursday evenings from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and there is one Choral Sunday service: 11:15 a.m. service with a 10:30 a.m. rehearsal. While flexibility for absences will certainly be considered, regular attendance and dependability (especially for major services during the Church year) are necessary for this position in order to provide stability for the choral sound.

Appointments are for one season (September through June) and a staff singer may be re-appointed upon a new audition. There are regular opportunities for solo work, additional compensation and primary consideration for weddings and funerals. Religious affiliation is not required, although a sense of spiritual hospitality is expected.

Audition requirements

1. Sing one piece from the sacred solo repertoire (or solo section from a choral work). The piece need not be memorized, but extra copies for the accompanist should be provided.

2. Prepare and sing an assigned piece of choral music (a copy will be available in advance).

3. Sight-sing a passage of choral music with accompaniment.

4. Sight-sing a short melody unaccompanied.

5. Provide a resume of musical training (prior training in voice required for this position, Bachelor degree in Music preferred)

Interested persons are invited to contact Dr. Richard Newman, Director of Music, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703.549.1980, ext. 128.